Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Migraines & Headaches Community
Welcome to the Migraine and Headaches Forum! This forum is for questions and support regarding migraine and headache issues such as: abdominal migraines, headaches caused by allergies, cluster headaches, headaches, headaches in children, migraine headaches, sinus headaches, tension headaches, visual disturbances.
Sharp throbbing headache in the back left part of the head
by JOE1424USA, Jun 21, 2008 02:57PM
About 2 weeks ago while doing pushups I started experiencing sharp, throbbing headaches in the back left part of my head. The throbbing goes away after a while, but I still have sharp pains in that area most of the time. If I am standing and walking/running the pain is not there at all, but as soon as I start pushups it comes back throbbing. It has been awakening me while sleeping lately. Does this sound familiar to anybody? Does it sound like a nerve or more of vascular problem? Any help would be appreciated. I am not in a position to make it to the doctor right now.
Post Comment
You have noted the pain to be sharp and throbbing. Also, the pain has been associated with exercises. This sounds more vascular to me although a musculoskeletal and nerve related problem are still differentials. Nerve related pain or neuralgia are described to be burning in character and they may be present over the nerve's pattern of distribution. As for musculoskeletal pain, the pain may be associated with a certain position or activity.
In your case, I would think of exertional headaches as a primary differential. This type of headache is associated with exercises especially straining exercises. I would advise that a baseline CT scan be done just to rule out any structural or organic problems. Your blood pressure should also be assessed.
Is there any history of stroke or heart problems in the family?
Yes. Exertional headaches and headaches secondary to spine problems are the closest differentials here. Just be careful when pursuing your daily exercises. Do some stretching first before engaging in strenuous exercises. Do these moderately and try to rest and relax in between .Nevertheless, have a baseline assessment done so that other conditions may be ruled out.
Yes. Spine problems and musculoskeletal problems have been one of the differentials here. You have also mentioned of the headaches being associated with position. So , I would say that after a thorough medical history and complete physical examination a sprained neck may be a diagnosis.
Just continue to observe your condition. If the pain persists despite medications or if other associated symptoms begin to appear, then you need to have a follow up consult. Watch out for increasing pain, visual symptoms, loss of balance or any form of weakness in the extremities.